POMUKEN, Maryland County – For years, the individuals of Pomuken have turned out to vote in each election, serving to to form management in Maryland County’s District #3. But, residents say the guarantees made to them have gone largely unfulfilled.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr., Contributing Author
Over the weekend, residents broke their silence throughout a city corridor assembly facilitated by the County Accountability and Advocacy Workforce (CAAT) underneath NAYMOTE Liberia, voicing frustration over poor infrastructure, weak training, and the shortage of well being providers.
Residents Communicate Out
Residents highlighted pressing wants resembling roads and bridges, that are deteriorating and harmful, limiting motion and commerce. Pomuken additionally stays reduce off from cell community entry.
Training and healthcare are equally dire. The native elementary faculty has only one instructor, no desks, blackboards, or latrines, and no studying supplies. With no clinic or well being facility, residents should stroll lengthy distances for fundamental medical care.
“Our individuals have been left behind for too lengthy. Politicians come, make guarantees, get our votes, and neglect us,” stated City Chief Francis Toe. “However right now, this engagement provides us hope that our voices are being heard.”
Youth President Alex Cooper careworn the pressing want for infrastructure: “The roads are our main concern. Consultant Austin Taylor promised enhancements, however nothing has occurred.”
Ladies chief Janet Gbah added: “Our kids can not attend faculty as a result of there aren’t any academics. Our crops rot as a result of roads are impassable. We want assist.”
Different residents, together with Pastor Peter P. Pokar Sr. and Elder Alexander Weah, lamented that unsafe bridges and roads have value lives.
A Historical past of Neglect
Pomuken’s struggles mirror situations throughout rural Liberia. In September 2024, a 55-year-old man, David Flomo, died after falling from a poorly constructed bridge whereas transporting rubber by bike.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Michael McCarthy, who toured all 15 counties in 2023, condemned the federal government’s neglect of rural communities. He revealed that a number of county hospitals obtained not one of the funds appropriated for them within the 2022 price range, describing the state of affairs as “deeply troubling” and suggesting collusion amongst authorities establishments.
Two years later, underneath a brand new administration, residents say little has modified.
CAAT and NAYMOTE Intervention
NAYMOTE Liberia’s County Accountability and Advocacy Workforce counseled Pomuken residents for talking out and pledged to amplify their issues.
“That is the start of one thing totally different. Your voices can be heard, and we are going to proceed to push for actual motion,” the group assured.
The aim of CAAT is to strengthen citizen participation in governance, demand accountability, and advocate for inclusive growth.
Hope for Change
Pomuken, a city of about 1,500 individuals, stays emblematic of the tough realities of rural Liberia. However as residents proceed to lift their voices, they are saying they maintain cautious optimism that sustained advocacy and stress on authorities will carry long-awaited enhancements in infrastructure, healthcare, and training.
